The possibility of a Catwoman spin-off series from Gotham

What is the possibility of a Catwoman spin-off television show?

We see an older Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman in the Gotham series finale. Recently, TVLine spoke with John Stephens from the show. With the re-casting of Camren Bicondova with Lili Simmons it had people talking. Stephens was even asked if this was all a set-up for a Catwoman spin-off, to which he replied, “I don’t know that [the idea was] planted. I’d say… [we’re] hopeful?”

Catwoman’s Network Home

The Pennyworth spin-off series is already in place that at best, fans are mixed about. On top of that, it will be on the Epix network rather than CW or DC Universe.

Of course FOX cannot continue to be there for Warner Bros./DC properties. With this said, one has to wonder about first the home for a Catwoman series. I find it odd they will not join DC Universe, in a hope to push for more subscribers. FOX was and is a basic channel that all viewers have, regardless of cable plan.

Moving over to Epix, rather than CW is quite odd. Hence, it only makes sense for a Catwoman series to go over to Epix as well. Ideally, it appears as if they are trying to keep Pennyworth separate from the CW/Arrowverse. We can only assume Catwoman will be part of the Pennyworth/Gotham universe and ought to follow suit to Epix.

However, if Pennyworth does not house well on Epix, who’s to say Catwoman would not do the same?

The Case for a Catwoman Show

Network politics aside, a Catwoman series is quite doable. Marvel brought Jessica Jones to NetFlix, which brought in a glowing reception. DC also has Supergirl with a viewership of over 9 million in its first season. Ratings have dropped, but this is the world of television, it is too be expected. Nonetheless, there is a ground for a female-led superhero television series.

Catwoman herself may lend well to a television series, rather than a film. Myth has it there is some Halle Berry Catwoman film, but we don’t talk about that. Her character plays a supporting role in The Dark Knight Rises and is shoehorned into a bloated cast and convoluted story in Batman Returns. Safe to say, Selina Kyle has yet to have a fair shot to have her story told on the screen.

Jessica Jones and Supergirl both follow superheroes, not villains. This can be the first for a show to follow a villain rather than the hero. Plus, Jessica Jones hardly fits the good, sheltered, American Pie type like Supergirl. A Catwoman show could steer more towards the former here, especially with a rise in more subversive superhero types like Deadpool and Doom Patrol.

Where The Catwoman Show Can Go

The general idea is to possibly look at those ten years that Bruce Wayne leaves Gotham and what happens to Selina. Too often we focus on Bruce’s journey towards Batman, never do we focus on Selina’s ever. Anytime we do it is a small overnight origin tale like in Batman Returns or the odd, homage to it in during the New 52 in Catwoman #0. A television series can help us look deeper into the psyche of Catwoman, one of DC Comics’ most cherished and well-known female characters. Why does she steal? Why be a criminal? Why not get a job and go along with the rest of society, for she is hardly broken like characters such as The Joker for example.

The show could also help carry on Gotham to a degree as well. Imagine surprise cameos from The Riddler or The Penguin. We may even use the show as a stage for characters they never warrant any use, such as Killer Croc for example.

Spin-offs do not normally have a history of success. At times it is just to milk the franchise due to a lack of creativity. Other times it is to appease fans who cannot let go. Nonetheless, it is certainly an idea worth trying out.